If some of the laws of physics were only infinitesimally different, we would simply not exist. It almost looks like the universe itself was built for life. But how can that be?
Elegant but elusive. Simulation of merging black holes showing gravitational waves.
NASA/ESA/wikimedia
In about 10100 years, the universe will have passed away in a tragic ‘heat death’. But don’t despair, eventually random conscious brains may pop out in empty space to shake things up.
Scientists are searching for collisions between different ‘universe bubbles’ in the cosmic microwave background.
Geralt
The idea that our universe is just one in a ‘multiverse’ of parallel universes is increasingly gathering attention from cosmologists. But can we ever test the theory?
Elliptical galaxy SDSS J162702.56+432833.9 could be full of life.
NASA/ESA/wikimedia
A new model suggests that elliptical galaxies are more likely to be habitable than spiral galaxies like our own. Does that mean we’re a freak event and elsewhere is teeming with life?